The amount to pay a massage therapist can be confusing. On the one hand, you have the spa massage therapist , who could be placed into the same category as hair stylists and nail technicians. Another group includes sports massage therapists and medical massage therapists. Typically people who work in the medical field don’t receive any tips for their services. Lastly, what if you aren’t located in United States of America? United States? Different countries have different traditions. For instance, Canada reimburses its citizens for massage, thus massage is seen more as therapeutic rather than a spa service.
Below are listed the basic guidelines for tipping to a massage therapist.
Table Massage Tips Basic Rules
Massage therapist in spa or outcall massage (at the address you prefer) – 10-20 percent of the bill.
Massage therapists working in a medical environment, such as Chiropractor and so on. There is usually there is no tipping.
Chair Massage Tips Basic Rules
Chair massage that is paid for by the theraplus customer 10-20% of the total bill
Chair massages paid by an employer or at a trade show – usually, there’s with no tipping*.
If you decide to leave a note, ask the establishment’s guidelines are. Tipping might be against the policies of the establishment, or they may not be a problem. Every situation is unique.
What if you don’t want to tip?
A possible exception to the above scenarios is when a person does not want to be a tipper and it’s not an impression on the service they received. The customer has the right to not leave a tip since it is a nice gesture. A lot of massage therapists I’ve met appreciate tips but do not expect them. Tipping, as well as how much will ultimately be the choice of the client.
Beware Hidden Tips
Finally, a word or caution: in many tourist areas, a spa or salon will include a tip on the client’s bill and not ask for it! It’s an automatic procedure at many establishments. Then, because the customer isn’t aware it is possible that the customer adds a tip to the bill without realizing that they’re tipping twice! This is a sad reality that massage customers must take precautions to protect themselves from.
Hopefully this has answered all your massage tip questions. Remember, if in doubt you should ask your massage therapist or company. They will be pleased by the fact that you are so grateful to want to tip.